At SFCM, we encourage collaboration and conversation, sparking the artistic and intellectual engines that make learning worthwhile and engaging. Discover your talent and feed your mind through our Continuing Education classes!
A non-refundable $25 registration fee will be charged once per term.
Classes & Ensembles
Music Theory
- Topics in Music Analysis (MUS203)
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Instructor: Harry Whitney
Dates: 5:30 - 7 PM on Tuesdays from January 24 - March 28 (10 classes)Location: Online
Cost: $350Topics in Musical Analysis is perfect for a student continuing studies, or perhaps wanting to brush up on work from years past. In this class, we will analyze repertoire from the classical music canon with the ultimate aim of understanding how a composer’s technique connects to the communicative and emotional power of music. We will identify harmonic function in music, and discuss how composers change keys and suggest different keys in their music. Students will explore how the understanding of theory can enhance a musician’s creativity and interpretive abilities.
Prior knowledge of music theory is recommended. The ability to read music, and a good working understanding of keys and scales will enhance a student’s enjoyment of this course. Please contact Harry Whitney at hwhitney@sfcm.edu to see if this class would be a good fit for you.
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Voice-Leading II Workshop (MUS302)
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Instructor: Harry Whitney
Dates: 5:30 - 7:30 PM on Wednesdays from January 25 - March 29 (10 classes)Location: Online
Cost: $350This workshop is perfect for a student wanting to apply music theory knowledge. We will strengthen our perception of “common-practice” harmony — think Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven — by writing voice-leading exercises during class sessions. We will talk about harmonic function in music while studying triads and seventh chords, their inversions, figured bass, and how to harmonize melodies. Upon completing this course, students will have the tools to write harmony in four independent voices in the Classical style — an excellent foundation for composition studies.
This workshop will pick up where last fall’s Voice-Leading Workshop left off, and is open to anyone with a good working understanding of keys, scales, and how to construct triads. Please contact Harry Whitney at hwhitney@sfcm.edu to see if this class would be a good fit for you.
- Counterpoint: Invention & Fugue (MUS304)
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Instructor: Ericsson Hatfield
Dates: 6:30 - 8:00 PM on Thursdays from January 26 - April 20 (no class March 16) (12 classes)Location: Online
Cost: $425Invention and fugue were the successors to canon and represent important subjects in contrapuntal study. In this class, we will examine how canonic technique develops into the rhetorical conventions of invention and fugue, engage in written exercises and analyze works from the repertoire. Additionally, we will review past contrapuntal concepts and reinforce our mastery of the subject. This class is an excellent course to follow “Canonic Technique.”
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Phraseology & Form (MUS305)
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Instructor: Ericsson Hatfield
Dates: 7:30 - 9:00 PM on Tuesdays from January 24 - April 18 (no class March 14) (12 classes)Location: Online
Cost: $425If there is one element of music that has remained virtually unchanged through the millennia from culture to culture and endured through every stylistic evolution, it is form. In this class we will explore the structure and execution of phraseology and form, looking at examples ranging from Mozart, to Ibn Battuta to Boston. While the subject matter is advanced, topics are presented in a methodical and clear manner.
Voice
- Musical Theater Performance Workshop
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Instructor: Krista Wigle
Dates: 7:30 - 9:00 PM on Tuesdays from February 21 - May 23 (no class 4/4 and 4/11) (12 classes)Location: In-person at SFCM
Recital: Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 @ 7:30pm
Cost: $450With a live pianist, you will work on improving your singing and performance skills in the art of Musical Theater. We will work on vocal technique, acting and expression, stagecraft, character work, and musicality. Students should be prepared to perform each class (memorization preferred) and can choose to work on one or more songs throughout the entire session.
An SFCM pianist will be available to accompany at all in-person classes. The series culminates in a live performance in the SFCM Recital Hall. Social distancing and safety measures for all rehearsals and performances will be carefully monitored.
This class is available only to amateurs and semi-professional students with singing experience.
Enrollment is limited to 10 students.
- Vocal Performance Workshop
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Instructor: Krista Wigle
Dates: 6:00 - 7:30 PM on Tuesdays from February 21 - May 23 (no class 4/4 and 4/11) (12 classes)Location: In-person at SFCM
Recital: Tuesday, May 23rd @ 7:30pm
Cost: $450This class explores the many performance aspects of vocal music in a supportive and positive atmosphere. We are offering online and in-person (vaccinations and masks required) classes. The emphasis is on opera and art song. We work on interpretation, language, technique, vocal science, drama, text, and many other aspects of this incredible art form. Students should be prepared to perform each class (memorization preferred) and can choose to work on one or more songs throughout the entire session.
An SFCM pianist will be available to accompany at all in-person classes. The series culminates in a live performance in the SFCM Recital Hall. Social distancing and safety measures for all rehearsals and performances will be carefully monitored.
This class is available only to amateurs and semi-professional students with singing experience: at least 3 years of private lessons are required.
Enrollment is limited to 10 students.
- Vocal Performance Workshop Online
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Instructor: Krista Wigle
Dates: 5:30 - 7:00 PM on Wednesdays from February 22 - May 24 (no class on 4/5 and 4/12) (12 classes)Location: Online
Recital: Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 @ 7:30pm
Cost: $450This class explores the many performance aspects of vocal music in a supportive and positive atmosphere. We are offering online and in-person (vaccinations and masks required) classes. The emphasis is on opera, art song, and musical theater, but other genres are welcome. We work on interpretation, language, technique, vocal science, drama, text, and many other aspects of this incredible art form. Students should be prepared to perform each class (memorization preferred) and can choose to work on one or more songs throughout the entire session.
An SFCM pianist will be available for two private sessions for accompaniment recordings and coachings. The series culminates in a recital at SFCM!
This class is available only to amateurs and semi-professional students with singing experience: at least 3 years of private lessons are required.
Enrollment is limited to 10 students.
- Mouthscape Choir
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Instructor: Lukáš Janata
Dates: 10:00am - 12:00pm on Fridays from January 27 - May 5 (no class March 17)Location: Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall
Cost: $225*Audition required to participate*
Mouthscape is an ensemble that focuses on bringing new choral works of diverse aesthetics - with a special emphasis on SFCM community composers - to collaborative partner venues, and thus connects with and exposes works to a larger SF audience. The vocal group nurtures an intimate, professional environment depending on each individual equally and invites a highly proactive attitude, resulting in self-governing, conducting opportunities, and coaching own choral works. Mouthscape is a driven auditioned elective ensemble with a composer-minded focus. Students with either a strong aptitude or previous choral background are welcome to audition. Registration is based on an entry assessment and upon approval of the director. Mouthscape invites a broader community through the Continuing Education Division, thus, providing a unique ensemble experience that merges all ages and backgrounds across the community side-by-side. Consideration will be given to the vocal balance in the choir. This class does not qualify for college credit.Audition Requirements: Singers will be asked to sing through a vocal warmup and complete a sight reading excerpt. Singers will also be asked to complete an aural-skills assessment. No repertoire is required to audition. To schedule an audition, please contact Lukáš Janata at ljanata@sfcm.edu.
Piano
- Beginning Piano: From Middle C to Mozart
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Instructor: Jacqueline Chew
Dates: 6:00 - 7:30 PM on Thursdays from January 26 - April 6 (no class March 23) (10 classes)
Location: Online
Cost: $350Learn to read music and to construct chords and major scales. Put it all together and you will be able to play simple pieces and melodies with added chords!
Students must have access to a personal keyboard or piano during online classes.
Class limited to 8 students.
Required text: Keyboard Strategies – Master Text, Vol.1, by Stecher and Horowitz
ISBN: 9780793552917
- Next Steps at the Piano
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Instructor: Jacqueline Chew
Dates: 7:30 - 9:00 PM on Thursdays from January 26 - April 6 (no class March 23) (10 classes)
Location: Online
Cost: $350Continuing from Beginning Piano, add seventh chords (4-note chords) and minor scales to your repertoire, polish scales and rhythm, and choose your favorite pieces to play! There will be an informal performance at the final class.
Students must have access to a personal keyboard or piano during online classes.
Class limited to 8 students.
Required text: Keyboard Strategies – Master Text, Vol.1, by Stecher and Horowitz
ISBN: 9780793552917
- Piano Repertory – Tuesdays
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Instructor: Jacqueline Chew
Dates: 6:00 - 7:30 PM on Tuesdays from January 24 - April 4 (no class on 3/21) (10 classes)
Location: Online
Cost: $350Pianists will work on repertoire of their choice. Selection of piece should precede the
first class.
Classes 1 - 5 will be devoted to repertoire analysis and practice techniques.
Classes 6 - 7 will focus on performance preparation
Class 8 - Online Performance on March 14, 2023
Classes 9 - 10, study of new repertoire begins
It is helpful if pianists are familiar with major and minor keys, triads and seventh chords,
and key signatures.
Students must have access to a personal keyboard or piano during online classes.
Limit 6 pianists.
Repertoire level: Bach Two-part Inventions, classical sonatinas, Chopin Waltzes etc
- Piano Repertory – Wednesdays
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Instructor: Jacqueline Chew
Dates: 6:00 - 7:30 PM on Wednesdays from January 25 - April 5 (no class March 22) (10 classes)
Location: In-Person at SFCM
Cost: $350Pianists will work on repertoire of their choice. Selection of piece should precede the
first class.
Classes 1 - 5 will be devoted to repertoire analysis and practice techniques.
Classes 6 - 7 will focus on performance preparation
Class 8 - Performance in the Recital Hall on March 15, 2023
Classes 9 - 10, study of new repertoire begins
It is helpful if pianists are familiar with major and minor keys, triads and seventh chords,
and key signatures.
Limit 6 pianists.
Repertoire level: Bach Two-part Inventions, classical sonatinas, Chopin Waltzes etc
Guitar
- Community Guitar Ensemble
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Instructor: Scott Cmiel
Dates: 5:00 - 6:00 PM on Saturdays from January 28 - April 22 (no class February 18, March 25, and April 1) (10 classes)
Location: In-Person at SFCM
Cost: $300Community Guitar Ensemble consists of guitarists interested in performing ensemble works in a wide range of musical styles from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods. Under the direction of Scott Cmiel, the guitar ensemble will prepare for a virtual performance at the end of the semester.
Each member will be assigned one of four parts and play together in a section with others playing the same part. We want players of all levels to be able to participate so while some members will play difficult music others will have their parts adjusted so they can play beautifully and with an expressive interpretation. Everyone is asked to learn their part before each meeting so during rehearsal we can work on the interpretation of each piece.
There is no need to be a virtuoso - good tone, good memory, and enthusiastic attitude are all that’s required.
If you have any questions about the orchestra please contact Scott Cmiel at scott.cmiel@sfcm.edu
